Stokes strikes late to seal Celtic win

31 August 2013 05:47

Anthony Stokes' 87th-minute free-kick gave Celtic a 1-0 victory over Dundee United in their Scottish Premiership clash at Tannadice.

The game looked to be drifting towards a draw when the Irishman was brought down by United defenders Stuart Armstrong and Keith Watson at the edge of the box.

Stokes, who had set up James Forrest for the Champions League clincher in the 3-0 win against Shakhter Karagandy at Parkhead on Wednesday night, picked himself up and curled the free-kick over the wall and past Radoslaw Cierzniak, with the ball going in off the post.

The only downside was the injury to defender Mikael Lustig, who was carried off on a stretcher early in the second half after appearing to fall awkwardly following a hefty challenge by United defender Gavin Gunning.

As a reaction to their Champions League efforts in midweek, it was a good day's work by the visitors.

Celtic were rewarded for getting into the group stages by being pitched into a group with Barcelona, AC Milan and Ajax.

To that end, Lennon strengthened his squad further.

Israel international midfielder Nir Biton's move to Celtic from FC Ashdod was confirmed on Friday while Finnish striker Teemu Pukki checked in on Saturday morning at Celtic Park from Schalke 04.

Neither was involved against United but following their energy-sapping win over the Kazakhstan champions, Lennon made three changes to his starting eleven,

Defenders Virgil van Dijk and Emilio Izaguirre and striker Derk Boerrigter came in for Charlie Mulgrew, James Forrest and Georgios Samaras.